Budget Cuts

Issue: Broward County Plans To Cut Law Enforcement Budget.

February 16, 2008

Floridians were warned that Amendment 1 would lead to a significant reduction of services. So we shouldn't be surprised that the Broward County Commission is planning to make major cuts at the sheriff's office.

Sure, Gov. Charlie Crist promised law enforcement wouldn't be harmed if voters approved the amendment for property tax relief. But that's for others to decide. With Broward County expected to lose $55 million in property taxes, while at the same time facing increased expenses for parks, libraries and other amenities, every area of government is vulnerable, including public safety.

The ax is already falling. County commissioners said last week that the Broward County Sheriff's Office would have to share equally in the $94 million worth of spending cuts expected next year, along with other services. The agency, which receives nearly 50 percent of the county's budget, is expected to absorb about half the cuts, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

It seems absurd to even consider reducing law enforcement services at a time when violent crime is rising and at least one cop killer is on the lose. But these aren't prosperous times, and we better get used to it. There are no sacred cows in this new fiscal arena.

That said, all services are not created equal, and county commissioners would do well to tread gingerly when it comes to services like police and fire protection. Last year, 28 women and girls died violently in Broward County, an 87 percent increase over 2006. We lost two deputies to gun violence, and another was wounded. Commissioners and other elected officials must not forget that it's their job to keep residents' safe whatever the cost. If we have to suffer the loss of other critical county amenities to a greater proportion, then so be it.

Floridians voted for the amendment knowing full well the cuts would come. We now have to live with that choice, but paring the public safety budget has to be done with great care.

BOTTOM LINE: Cuts are to be expected, but public safety must remain a priority.